Penn State to Collect Information on Sheep Fertility

By Melanie Barkley

A group of researchers, led by Dr. Camilla Hughes, is studying sheep fertility in Pennsylvania flocks. They are asking sheep producers to share information about their operation through a survey.

The American Sheep Industry identified productivity improvement as one of four goals to strengthen the American lamb industry. Reproductive efficiency is one of the most important factors affecting the productivity and profitability of sheep farms, yet many factors that influence fertility remain poorly understood. The long-term goal of this research is to improve fertility and lifetime productivity in Pennsylvania sheep flocks.

In this study, researchers are working to better understand how reproductive management practices and stress during pregnancy affect not only pregnant ewes but also the future fertility of their daughters.